SUBLETTE - Gerald W. Leffelman, 88, of Sublette passed away March 12, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Per his wishes there will be no visitation, and Mass of Christian Burial will be family only. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.

Gerald was born Oct. 25, 1932 in Sublette to Howard and Bernadette (Clayton) Leffelman of Maytown. He was a twilight sleep baby born at the Angier Hospital in Sublette. He married the love of his life, Sylvia Becker on Feb. 20, 1954 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years; eight children, Susan Ennenbach, Mark (Natalie) Leffelman, Chris (Kim) Leffelman, Annette (Mike) Bonnell, Dale (Paula) Leffelman, Beth (Eddie) Morrissey, Kevin (Judy) Leffelman and Keith (Ashley) Leffelman; 16 grandchildren, Angela, Lindsay, Erica, Lauren, Clayton, Evan, Laura, Megan, Andy, Jon, Jake, Lydia, Conor, Kayla, Katie and Claudia; 20 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Howardene Stewart, Bernardine Roemmich and Joyce Eames.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth Leffelman.

Jerry grew up on the family farm in Maytown. His education started at the Dorsey School and then the Amboy schools. He left high school his second year to help his father farm. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. Returning from the Army, he worked for his father at the Leffelman Meat Center, which originally had locations in Sublette, Mendota, Amboy and West Brooklyn. His other jobs included Justice of the Peace and being owner of Sublette Realty for most of his life until his retirement at age 86. He was instrumental in getting Country Village Meats open with his son and son-in-law and worked hard beside them for 20 years. Jerry served on many boards including the Sublette Development Corporation, the Beautification Committee, Sublette Village Board, and the Lee County Board. He was dedicated to seeing businesses brought into Sublette and seeing this “little country village” thrive. He loved his town and was proud to introduce anyone to its history. Many Sundays he loved to load the family in the station wagon and take a long ride that always ended at a drive-in that served chocolate shakes and hot fudge sundaes. He will be missed by his large family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude, Sublette Fire Department or OSF Hospice.

Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.